After a big day yesterday we had a late start with breakfast by the pool at 9 am. This family certainly doesn't want anyone to go away hungry. As a Berber family we are eating the foods typically eaten by these people. Delicious!
But first, a peep over the rampart above the outdoor eating area.
On the way out to the sealed road we passed this group of men building a fence. They dig the soil from their block to create the mud which, since the earthquake, has to have some cement or wiring to give the walls more strength if they are building a house. The earth is rammed in a form to create very large bricks then set out to dry for two weeks. On a base of round rocks, these bricks are stacked to create thick walls.
To get a plot here and to be able to build a house you must commit to the Green Maroc policy, which means being prepared to work for the improvement of the land and planting trees and crops.
This photo shows a drip system and small tree plantings. Poly pipe is the main means of getting water to the plants, and in some places they flood irrigate small areas once a fortnight. Solar power is used to pump the water. The loss rate for plants seems quite high.
It was only a short drive to Kasbah Amridil, a kasbah in three parts as many generations of family have lived here. The right hand portion is 17th century and the far left is from the last 40 years. It is a living museum with rooms and artifacts dating back 300 years.
Our local guide today was Michi and he gave us lots of information on Berber life in the oasis area. We are within a 55 sq. km oasis which is fed by two seasonal rivers and snow. This allows some vegetation to grow and survive.
The butter making 'machine' pictured below caught our attention. It has some pendulum motion but a woman would have to keep it moving enough for butter to form. The ovens were also interesting as the fire is in the right side and the bread is placed on the hot rocks on the left. The bread does not sit on charcoal.
Views from the upper floor of the kasbah, the section where the owners lived.
After a rest stop it was on to the bus and off to see some of the oasis and how the water system can work.
The date palms can self pollinate but to be guaranteed success the farmers like to have the trees hand pollinated by men who climb the trees and dust the flowers from the female tree onto the male tree.
Crops such as wheat, barley and alfalfa are grown now but in the summer corn, aubergines and tomatoes are grown. Olives, pomegranates and dates are more self sufficient.
Back to Dar Panorama for another wonderful meal and some rest time before our traditional calligraphy workshop.
Our local artisan teacher Salah, tried to teach us some Arabic pronunciation but it seemed most of us were a lost cause. He then wrote our names in traditional Arabic and explained the grammar needed to produce those names. Initially quite stressful but by the end we agreed the class was quite rewarding.
We had hoped for a good sunset this evening however it was not to be. Views from the roof top.
Soup, couscous with vegetables, fresh fruit and mint tea. We have been spoilt.
A mild day and no new cases to report.
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